Semiconductor substrate, semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor substrate comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; and semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to semiconductor substrates, semiconductor devices, methods for manufacturing semiconductor substrates, and methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and it is particularly suitable for application to field effect transistors formed on a SOI (Silicon On Insulator) substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The utilities of field effect transistors formed on a SOI substrate are attracting attention because of their readiness of element isolation, latch-up free characteristics, small source/drain junction capacitances and the like.

Also, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application HEI 7-211917 (JP '917) describes a method of forming high breakdown voltage field effect transistors having a drain breakdown voltage of about several hundred V on a SOI substrate. Also, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2003-158091 (JP '091) describes a method of forming field effect transistors that are miniaturized on the other of submicron on a SOI substrate.

It is noted here that optimum film thicknesses of SOI layers and BOX layers differ for semiconductor elements of different usages. In other words, for a high breakdown voltage field effect transistor having a drain breakdown voltage of about several hundred V, its BOX layer needs to have a larger film thickness in order to secure the breakdown strength of the BOX layer and the back-channel threshold breakdown strength, and the film thickness of the BOX layer amounts to the order of μm. For example, in the case of a high breakdown voltage field effect transistor having a drain breakdown voltage of about 50V, the film thickness of the BOX layer needs to be about several hundred nm, and in the case of a high breakdown voltage field effect transistor having a drain breakdown voltage of about 500V, the film thickness of the BOX layer needs to be about several μm.

On the other hand, for a field effect transistor that is miniaturized on the order of submicron, its BOX layer needs to have a smaller film thickness in order to suppress reduction of threshold values by short-channel effects, and thus the film thickness of the BOX layer becomes to be on the order of several hundred angstrom. For example, when the effective channel length becomes 0.1 μm or less, the film thickness of the SOI layer needs to be set to 50 nm or less, and the film thickness of the BOX layer needs to be set to 50-100 nm.

In the meantime, accompanied by the advent of ubiquitous societies, the SOC (System On Chip) technology that enables mix-mounting of devices of various breakdown voltages and digital and analog devices on a single chip is attracting attention, for further promotion of miniaturization of information portable devices, reduction of power consumption, greater multiple functions, and greater capacities.

Also, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2002-299591 (JP '591) describes a method of forming semiconductor elements for different usages in active layers having thicknesses suitable for the respective usages by embedding dielectric films at different depths from a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, in order to realize the SOC on a SOI substrate.

However, according to the methods described in JP '917, JP '091, and JP '591, the film thickness of the BOX layer is maintained at constant by the SOI substrate. For this reason, for forming semiconductor elements for different usages on a SOI substrate, the semiconductor elements need to be independently formed on different SOI substrates for the respective usages, which causes a problem that presents an obstruction to realization of the SOC.

Also, according to the method described in JP '591, in order to embed dielectric films at different depths from the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, oxygen ions are injected in a silicon substrate with different energies. For this reason, physical damages are generated in the silicon substrate, and the crystallinity and purity of the SOI layer deteriorate, thereby causing a problem in that, when semiconductor elements are formed in the SOI layer, their characteristics deteriorate due to PN junction leakages or the like. In particular, according to the method described in JP '591, the amount of injecting oxygen ions needs to be increased in order to increase the film thickness of the BOX layer, such that damages at the time of ion injection and stresses caused by expansion of oxygen films increase. For this reason, there are problems in that crystal defects occur in the SOI layers, and the reliability of the semiconductor device deteriorates.

Furthermore, when a method in which two wafers are bonded together to increase the film thickness of the BOX layer is used, one of the wafers needs to be removed almost entirely, which causes a problem in that the resources are wasted. Also, in the method of bonding two wafers, differences in film thicknesses of SOI layers become greater, and BOX layers of different film thicknesses cannot be formed on a common SOI substrate, which causes a problem that presents an obstruction to realization of the SOC. Also, when a SOI layer is formed on BOX layers of different film thicknesses, step differences are generated in the surface of the SOI layer, which causes a problem in that processing accuracy of the semiconductor manufacturing process deteriorates.

Accordingly, it is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide semiconductor substrates, semiconductor devices, a method for manufacturing semiconductor substrates, and a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices, which can improve flatness of surfaces of semiconductor layers, and are capable of making film thicknesses of dielectric layers and semiconductor layers different from one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the problems described above, a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; and semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers.

By this, the film thicknesses of the dielectric layers and semiconductor layers can be set so as to match with the respective usages of semiconductor elements, and semiconductor elements for mutually different usages can be formed on a common SOI substrate. For this reason, while short-channel effects can be suppressed, field effect transistors can be further miniaturized, and while breakdown strength of dielectric layers and PN junction breakdown strength can be secured, high breakdown voltage field effect transistors can be formed on a common SOI substrate. For this reason, a System-On-Chip can be realized on a common SOI substrate, and miniaturization, lower power consumption, greater multiple functions and greater capacities of semiconductor devices can be promoted.

Also, a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers; and semiconductor elements for mutually different usages formed on the semiconductor layers.

By this, semiconductor elements do not need to be formed separately on independent SOI substrates for different usages, and semiconductor elements for different usages in which the film thickness of each dielectric layer and semiconductor layer is optimized can be formed on a common SOI substrate, such that greater performance of a system-on-chip can be achieved.

Also, a semiconductor device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers; and semiconductor elements for mutually different usages formed on the semiconductor base and the semiconductor layers.

Further, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a step of forming, on a semiconductor base, a plurality of laminated layered structures, each composed of a second semiconductor layer having a smaller selection ratio at etching than a first semiconductor layer, laminated on the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming a first groove that penetrates the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers and exposes the semiconductor base; a step of forming a supporting body for supporting the second semiconductor layers on the semiconductor base on side walls of the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers in the first groove; a step of forming a second groove that exposes at least a part of the first semiconductor layers with the supporting body formed on the sidewall through the second semiconductor layers; a step of selectively etching the first semiconductor layers through the second groove to form a void section in a position where the first semiconductor layers existed; and a step of completely thermally oxidizing the second semiconductor layers for at least one layer through the void section to form a dielectric layer disposed below the second semiconductor layer at an uppermost layer.

By this, the second semiconductor layers can be supported on the semiconductor base through the supporting body formed in the first groove, and etching gas or etching liquid can be brought in contact with the first semiconductor layers through the second groove. For this reason, while the second semiconductor layers can be stably supported on the semiconductor base, the first semiconductor layers below the second semiconductor layers can be removed, and while physical damages that may be inflicted on the second semiconductor layers can be suppressed, a dielectric layer can be formed below the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer. As a result, by appropriately setting the number of layers of the first semiconductor layers that are exposed through the second semiconductor layers, and the film thicknesses of the first and second semiconductor layers, the film thicknesses of both of the dielectric layers and the semiconductor layers thereon can be made different from one another, the crystallinity and purity of the semiconductor layers disposed on the dielectric layers can be improved, and the reliability of the system-on-chip can be improved.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the second semiconductor layer and the supporting body consist of single crystal Si, and the first semiconductor layer consists of single crystal SiGe.

By this, lattice matching among the second semiconductor layers, the supporting body and the first semiconductor layers can be made, and the selection ratio at the time of etching the first semiconductor layers can be made greater than that of the second semiconductor layers and the supporting body. For this reason, the second semiconductor layers of good crystal quality can be formed on the first semiconductor layers, the supporting body can be stably formed in the first groove, and the film thicknesses of both of the dielectric layers and semiconductor layers thereon can be made different from one another without damaging the quality of the second semiconductor layers.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first groove and the second groove are disposed in element isolation regions.

By this, element isolation of the second semiconductor layers in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction can be conducted in a batch, and grooves for removing the first semiconductor layers under the second semiconductor layers do not need to be provided in element forming regions. For this reason, while an increase in the number of steps can be suppressed, SOI transistors can be formed, and an increase in the chip size can be suppressed, such that the cost of SOI transistors can be reduced.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer has a greater film thickness compared to the second semiconductor layers at lower layers.

By this, even when at least one layer of the second semiconductor layers is completely thermally oxidized, the second semiconductor layer at the topmost layer can be prevented from completely disappearing, and the second semiconductor layer can be disposed on the dielectric layer.

Further, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in further comprising the step of forming an oxidation prevention film on the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer, before thermal oxidation of the second semiconductor layers is conducted.

By this, even when at least one layer of the second semiconductor layers is completely thermally oxidized, the surface of the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer can be prevented from being thermally oxidized, and the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer can be prevented from completely disappearing.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that all of the second semiconductor layers below the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer are completely thermally oxidized.

By this, the film thickness of the dielectric layer below the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer can be increased by increasing the number of layers of the second semiconductor layers. For this reason, while suppressing deterioration of the crystallinity and purity of the second semiconductor layers, the breakdown strength of the BOX layers and the back-channel threshold breakdown strength can be secured, and higher breakdown voltages of field effect transistors can be achieved.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first semiconductor layer has a film thickness that is substantially equal to the sum of a downwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately above the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation and an upwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately below the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation.

By this, an increase in the film thickness of the second semiconductor layer by thermal oxidation can be absorbed by a gap of the void section, and the void section can be completely closed with the dielectric layer. For this reason, stress on the dielectric layer can be suppressed, an increase in the thermal resistance can be suppressed, deterioration of the crystallinity of the second semiconductor layer on the dielectric layer can be suppressed, and the heat dissipation property of the second semiconductor layer can be improved.

Moreover, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first semiconductor layer has a film thickness that is smaller than the sum of a downwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately above the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation and an upwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately below the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation.

By this, an increase in the film thickness of the semiconductor layer by thermal oxidation can be made greater than a gap of the void section, such that the second semiconductor layer at an upper layer can be lifted up at the time of thermal oxidation of the second semiconductor layer at a lower layer. For this reason, the height of the second semiconductor layer can be adjusted, and the flatness of the second semiconductor layer can be improved.

Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first semiconductor layer has a film thickness that is greater than the sum of a downwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately above the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation and an upwardly increased portion of film thickness of the second semiconductor layer immediately below the first semiconductor layer caused by thermal oxidation.

By this, an increase in the film thickness of the second semiconductor layer by thermal oxidation can be absorbed by a gap of the void section. For this reason, stress on the dielectric layer can be suppressed, and deterioration of the crystallinity of the second semiconductor layer on the dielectric layer can be suppressed.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a step of forming, on a semiconductor substrate, a first laminated layered structure composed of a second semiconductor layer having a smaller selection ratio at etching than a first semiconductor layer, laminated on the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming a step difference in a part of an area of the first laminated layered structure by selectively half-etching the second semiconductor layer at the uppermost layer; a step of forming, in a portion at the step difference of the first laminated layered structure, a second laminated layered structure composed of a fourth semiconductor layer having a smaller selection ratio at etching than a third semiconductor layer, laminated on the third semiconductor layer, in a manner that the third semiconductor layer is set to have a film thickness equal to a film thickness of the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming a first groove that penetrates the first semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer and exposes the semiconductor base; a step of forming a supporting body for supporting the second and fourth semiconductor layers on the semiconductor base on side walls of the first semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer in the first groove; a step of forming, in a first area divided by the first groove, a second groove that exposes at least a part of the first semiconductor layer through the second semiconductor layer; a step of forming, in a second area divided by the first groove, a third groove that exposes at least a part of the third semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer; a step of forming void sections under the second and fourth semiconductor layers by selectively etching the first and third semiconductor layers through the second groove and the third groove; a step of forming dielectric layers disposed below the second and fourth semiconductor layers by thermally oxidizing the second and fourth semiconductor layers through the void sections; and a step of forming semiconductor elements for mutually different usages at the second and fourth semiconductor layers, respectively.

By this, the second and fourth semiconductor layers can be supported on the semiconductor base through the supporting body formed in the first groove, the heights of the first and third semiconductor layers that are exposed through the second and fourth semiconductor layers, respectively, can be made different from each other in the first area and the second area, and etching gas or etching liquid can be brought in contact with the first and third semiconductor layers through the second groove and the third groove.

For this reason, the second and fourth semiconductor layers can be stably supported on the semiconductor base, the first and third semiconductor layers disposed below the second and fourth semiconductor layers, respectively, can be removed, and the heights of the first and third semiconductor layers that are removed from below the second and fourth semiconductor layers, respectively, can be made different from each other in the first area and the second area. Also, by setting the film thickness of the third semiconductor layer to be equal to the film thickness of the first semiconductor layer, increases in the heights in the first area and the second area can be made coincide with each other, even when the film thickness of the second and fourth semiconductor layers increases by thermal oxidation.

As a result, the heights of dielectric layers to be formed by thermal oxidation after the first and third semiconductor layers are removed can be made different in the first area and the second area, and the film thicknesses of the semiconductor layers in the first area and the second area can be made mutually different, and the flatness of the surface between the second and fourth semiconductor layers can be improved.

Also, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in comprising: a step of forming, on a-semiconductor substrate, a first laminated layered structure composed of a second semiconductor layer having a smaller selection ratio at etching than a first semiconductor layer, laminated on the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming, in a portion of an area of the first laminated layered structure, a second laminated layered structure composed of a fourth semiconductor layer having a smaller selection ratio at etching than a third semiconductor layer, laminated on the third semiconductor layer, in a manner that the third semiconductor layer is set to have a film thickness greater than a film thickness of the first semiconductor layer; a step of forming a first groove that penetrates the first semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer and exposes the semiconductor base; a step of forming a supporting body for supporting the second and fourth semiconductor layers on the semiconductor base on side walls of the first semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer in the first groove; a step of forming, in a first area divided by the first groove, a second groove that exposes at least a part of the first semiconductor layer through the second semiconductor layer; a step of forming, in a second area divided by the first groove, a third groove that exposes at least a part of the third semiconductor layer through the fourth semiconductor layer; a step of forming void sections under the second and fourth semiconductor layers by selectively etching the first and third semiconductor layers through the second groove and the third groove; a step of forming dielectric layers disposed below the second and fourth semiconductor layers by thermally oxidizing the second and fourth semiconductor layers through the void sections; and a step of forming semiconductor elements for mutually different usages at the second and fourth semiconductor layers, respectively.

By this, while leaving the first semiconductor layer remained in the second area, the first semiconductor layer in the first area can be removed, and the third semiconductor layer in the second area can be removed. For this reason, by appropriately adjusting the film thicknesses and the number of layers of the first and third semiconductor layers, the film thicknesses of the dielectric layers below the second semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer can be made different from one another. Also, by making the film thicknesses of the second semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer different from each other, the film thicknesses of the semiconductor layers on the dielectric layers can be made different from each other. Further, by setting the film thickness of the third semiconductor layer to be greater than the film thickness of the first semiconductor layer, the height of the first area can be made elevated compared to the second area, based on increases in the film thickness of the second and fourth semiconductor layers. For this reason, the flatness of the surface of the semiconductor layer can be improved, and the film thicknesses of both of the dielectric layers and the semiconductor layers can be made different from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1( a)-1(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIGS. 2( a)-2(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3( a)-3(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 4( a)-4(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5( a)-5(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6( a)-6(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 7( a)-7(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 8( a)-8(c) are a plan view and cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 9( a)-9(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIGS. 10( a)-10(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 11( a)-11(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 12( a)-12(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 13( a)-13(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 14( a)-14(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 15( a)-15(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 16( a)-16(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 17( a)-17(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 18( a)-18(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 19( a)-19(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 20( a)-20(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 21( a)-21(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 22( a)-22(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 23( a)-23(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIGS. 24( a)-24(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 25( a)-25(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 26( a)-26(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 27( a)-27(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 28( a)-28(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 29( a)-29(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 30( a)-30(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 31( a)-31(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 32( a)-32(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 33( a)-33(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 34( a)-34(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 35( a)-35(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 36( a)-36(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIGS. 37( a)-37(b) are cross-sectional views showing the method for manufacturing the semiconductor device in accordance with the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-FIGS. 8 are plan views and cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1( a)-1(c), first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c are alternately laminated on a semiconductor substrate 11. It is noted that, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, GaAs, InP, GaP, GaN, SiC and the like can be used as materials for the semiconductor substrate 11, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c, and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c.

It is noted here that the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c can use materials having a selection ratio at etching greater than that of the semiconductor substrate 11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 11 consists of Si, SiGe may preferably be used as the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c, and Si for the second single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-13 c. By this, lattice matching can be achieved among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c, and selection ratios can be secured among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c.

Then, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c is thermally oxidized to thereby form a sacrificial oxide film 14 on a surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c. Then, an oxidation prevention film 15 is formed on the entire surface of the sacrificial oxide film 14 by a CVD method or the like. It is noted that, for example, a silicon nitride film can be used as the oxidation prevention film 15.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 2( a)-2(c), by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the oxidation prevention film 15, the sacrificial oxide film 14, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c are patterned, to thereby form grooves M1 that expose the semiconductor substrate 11 in a predetermined direction.

It is noted that, when the semiconductor substrate 11 is exposed, etching may be stopped at the surface of the semiconductor substrate 11, or recessed portions may be formed in the semiconductor substrate 11 by over-etching the semiconductor substrate 11. Also, arrangement positions of the grooves M1 may be made to correspond to a part of element isolation regions.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3( a)-3(b). 3, supporting bodies 16, that are formed in films on side walls of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c, and supports the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c on the semiconductor substrate 11, are formed in the grooves M1. It is noted that, when forming the supporting body 16 in a film on the side walls of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c, epitaxial growth of semiconductor can be used. It is noted here that, by using the epitaxial growth of semiconductor, the supporting body 16 can be selectively formed on the side surfaces of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c and the surface of the semiconductor substrate 11. It is noted that, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, SiC, SiSn, PbS, GaAs, InP, GaP, GaN, ZnSe or the like can be used as a material for the supporting body 16. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c consist of Si, and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c consist of SiGe, Si may preferably be used as a material of the supporting body 16.

By this, lattice matching can be made among the supporting body 16 and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c, and selection ratios can be secured among the supporting body 16 and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c. Also, by using semiconductor such as Si as a material of the supporting body 16, the three-dimensional cubic structure by the semiconductor can be maintained, even when the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c are removed. For this reason, the chemical resistance property and mechanical stress resistance property can be improved, such that a stable element isolation process with good reproducibility can be realized. It is noted that, besides semiconductors, a dielectric such as a silicon oxide film may be used as the material of the supporting body 16.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 4( a)-4(c), the oxidation prevention film 15, the sacrificial oxide film 14, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c are patterned by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, whereby grooves M2 that expose the semiconductor substrate 11 are formed along a direction orthogonal to the grooves M1. It is noted that, when the semiconductor substrate 11 is exposed, etching may be stopped at the surface of the semiconductor substrate 11, or recessed sections may be formed in the semiconductor substrate 11 by over-etching the semiconductor substrate 11. Also, arrangement positions of the grooves M2 may be made to correspond to the element isolation regions.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5( a)-5(c), etching gas or etching liquid is brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c through the grooves M2, whereby the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c are removed by etching. Then, void sections 17 are formed between the semiconductor substrate 11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 a, and between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b, and 13 b and 13 c.

It is noted here that, by providing the supporting bodies 16 in the grooves Ml, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c can be supported on the semiconductor substrate 11 even when the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c are removed; and by providing the grooves M2 independently of the grooves M1, etching gas or etching liquid can be brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c disposed under the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c, respectively. For this reason, the void sections 17 can be formed between the semiconductor substrate 11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 a, and among the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a through 13 c, without damaging the crystal quality of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c.

It is noted that, when the semiconductor substrate 11, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c and the supporting body 16 consist of Si, and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c consist of SiGe, it is desirable to use nitric-hydrofluoric acid as an etching liquid for the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c. By this, a selection ratio between Si and SiGe that ranges from about 1:1000 to 1:10000 can be obtained, such that the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c can be removed while suppressing over-etching of the semiconductor substrate 11, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c and the supporting body 16.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6( a)-6(c), the semiconductor substrate 11, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c and the supporting body 16 are thermally oxidized until the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b disappear, thereby forming dielectric layers 18 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c. It is noted here that, by having the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b disappear, gaps between the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c and the semiconductor substrate 11 can be completely embedded with the dielectric layers 18.

Then, by appropriately adjusting the film thickness and/or the number of layers of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 12 a-12 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c, the film thicknesses of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c and the dielectric layer 18 can be adjusted.

However, as shown in FIGS. 7( a)-7(b), the film thickness T₃ of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 12 b between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b that are set to film thicknesses T₁ and T₂, respectively, may preferably be set to a value of about ΔT₁/2+ΔT₂/2, where ΔT₁/2 and ΔT₂/2 are increases in the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b, respectively. By this, a gap of the void section 17 that is created when the first single crystal semiconductor layer 12 b is removed can be made to correspond to increases in the film thickness due to oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b. For this reason, stress on the dielectric layer 18 can be suppressed, the void section 17 can be completely filled with the dielectric layer 18, and the dielectric layer 18 can be prevented from bulging due to oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b. For this reason, while an increase in the thermal resistance can be suppressed, deterioration of the crystallinity of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c on the dielectric layer 18 can be suppressed, and the flatness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be maintained. Also, the width of each of the grooves M1 and M2 may preferably be set to be greater than expansions by thermal oxidation from two sides in a transverse direction of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c.

Also, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c after element isolation can be defined by the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c at the time of epitaxial growth and the film thickness of the dielectric layer 18 formed at the time of thermal oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a-13 c. For this reason, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be accurately controlled, differences in the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be reduced, and the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be made smaller. Also, by providing the oxidation prevention film 15 over the second single crystal semiconductor layer. 13 c, the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be prevented from being thermally oxidized, and the dielectric layer 18 can be formed under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c.

Also, instead of providing the oxidation prevention film 15 on the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c may be set greater than the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b. By this, even when the second single crystal semiconductor layers 13 a and 13 b are completely thermally oxidized, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c at the uppermost layer can be prevented from completely disappearing by thermal oxidation, and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c can be disposed on the dielectric layer 18.

After the dielectric layer 18 is formed, high-temperature annealing is conducted. By this, the dielectric layer 18 can be re-flowed, stress on the dielectric layer 18 can be alleviated, and the interface state can be reduced.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 8( a)-8(c), by using a CVD method or the like, a dielectric layer is deposited on the second single crystal semiconductor layer in a manner that the grooves M1 and M2 with the dielectric layer 18 formed on their side walls are embedded. Then, by using a CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) method or the like, the dielectric layer is planarized, thereby exposing the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer, and forming embedded dielectric layers 10 in the grooves M1 and M2. It is noted that, for example, SiO₂ or Si₃N4 may be used as the embedded dielectric layers 19. Then, field effect transistors may be formed in the second single crystal semiconductor layer 13 c. By this, PN junction leakage at the field effect transistors can be suppressed, element isolation around and bottom surfaces of the field effect transistors can be achieved, characteristics of the field effect transistors can be improved, and the reliability of the field effect transistors can be improved.

FIGS. 9-FIGS. 22 are plan views and cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 9( a)-9(b) and FIGS. 10( a)-10(b), first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c and second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 c are alternately laminated on a semiconductor substrate 31. It is noted here that the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c can use materials having a selection ratio at etching greater than that of the semiconductor substrate 31 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 c. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 31 consists of Si, SiGe may preferably be used as the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c, and Si for the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 c.

It is noted that a thick film semiconductor region R1 and a thin film semiconductor region R2 can be provided in the semiconductor substrate 31. Then, a partially depleted type field effect transistor may be formed in the thick film semiconductor region R1, and a completely depleted type field effect transistor can be formed in the thin film semiconductor region R2.

Then, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c is thermally oxidized to thereby form a sacrificial oxide film 34 on a surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c. Then, an oxidation prevention film 35 is formed on the entire surface of the sacrificial oxide film 34 by a CVD method of the like. It is noted that, for example, a silicon nitride film can be used as the oxidation prevention film 35. Then, by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the sacrificial oxide film 34 and the oxidation prevention film 35 are patterned, to thereby remove the sacrificial oxide film 34 and the oxidation prevention film 35 in the thin film semiconductor region R2, and expose the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thin film semiconductor region R2. Further, by using the sacrificial oxide film 34 and the oxidation prevention film 35 as a mask, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c is half-etched to form a step difference D in the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c, such that the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 becomes higher by the step difference D than the height of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thin film semiconductor region R2.

Then, by using the sacrificial oxide film 34 and the oxidation prevention film 35 as a mask, epitaxial growth is conducted, whereby a first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d and a second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d are selectively formed on the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thin film semiconductor region R2. It is noted here that the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d can use a material having a selection ratio at etching greater than that of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 31 consists of Si, SiGe may preferably be used as the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d, and Si for the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 11( a)-11(b) and FIGS. 12( a)-12(b), the sacrificial oxide film 34 and the oxidation prevention film 35 in the thick film semiconductor region R1 are removed. Then by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d are patterned, thereby forming grooves M11 that expose the semiconductor substrate 31 along a predetermined direction.

It is noted that, when the semiconductor substrate 31 is exposed, etching may be stopped at the surface of the semiconductor substrate 31, or recessed sections may be formed in the semiconductor substrate 31 by over-etching the semiconductor substrate 31. Also, arrangement positions of the grooves M11 may be made to correspond to a part of element isolation regions that isolate the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the thin film semiconductor region R2 from each other.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 13( a)-13(b) and FIGS. 14( a)-14(b), a supporting body 36, that is formed in a film on side walls of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d, and supports the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d on the semiconductor substrate 31, is formed in the grooves M1. It is noted that, when forming the supporting body 16 in a film on the side walls of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d, epitaxial growth of semiconductor can be used. It is noted that, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, SiC, SiSn, PbS, GaAs, InP, GaP, GaN, ZnSe or the like can be used as a material for the supporting body 36. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 31 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d consist of Si, and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d consist of SiGe, Si may preferably be used as a material of the supporting body 36.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 15( a)-15(b) and FIGS. 16( a)-16(b), by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 c and the supporting body 36 are patterned, thereby forming grooves M12 that expose the semiconductor substrate 31 along a direction orthogonal to the grooves M11 in the thick film semiconductor region R1. It is noted that, when the semiconductor substrate 31 is exposed, etching may be stopped at the surface of the semiconductor substrate 31, or recessed portions may be formed in the semiconductor substrate 31 by over-etching the semiconductor substrate 31. Also, arrangement positions of the grooves M12 may be made to correspond to element isolation regions of the single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 17( a)-17(b) and FIGS. 18( a)-18(b), by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d and the supporting body 36 are patterned, thereby forming grooves M13 that expose the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c along a direction orthogonal to the grooves M11 in the thin film semiconductor region R2. It is noted that, when the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c is exposed, etching may be stopped at the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c, or recessed portions may be formed in the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c by over-etching the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c. Also, arrangement positions of the grooves M13 may be made to correspond to element isolation regions of the single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c.

Also, instead of exposing the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c, etching may be stopped at the surface of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d; or the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d may be over-etched and etching may be conducted halfway through the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d. It is noted that, by stopping the etching of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d halfway through, the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d in the grooves M13 can be prevented from being exposed. For this reason, when the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d is removed by etching, the time during which the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c within the grooves M3 is exposed to etching liquid or etching gas can be reduced, such that over-etching of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c within the grooves M3 can be suppressed.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 19( a)-19(b) and FIGS. 20( a)-20(b), etching gas or etching liquid is brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c through the grooves M12, and etching gas or etching liquid is brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d through the grooves M13, whereby the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c in the thick film semiconductor region RI are removed by etching, and the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 d in the thin film semiconductor region R2 is removed by etching.

Further, in the thick film semiconductor region R1, void sections 37 are formed between the semiconductor substrate 31 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 a, and between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b, and 33 b and 33 c; and in the thin film semiconductor region R2, void sections 37 are formed between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 c and 33 d.

It is noted here that, in the thin film semiconductor region R2, the depth of the grooves M13 may be set such that the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c remains on the first single crystal semiconductor layer 32 c, whereby the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 can be removed, while leaving the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c remained in the thin film semiconductor region R2. For this reason, in the thick film semiconductor region R1, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a through 32 c can be thermally oxidized; and in the thin film semiconductor region R2, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a through 32 c can be prevented from being oxidized, and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d disposed in a layer above the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 b can be thermally oxidized. As a result, the height of a dielectric layer 38 that is formed by thermal oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d can be made different in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the thin film semiconductor region R2, and the number of layers of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d that are thermally oxidized can be made different in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the thin film semiconductor region R2. Accordingly, in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the thin film semiconductor region R2, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 c and 33 d at the uppermost layer can be made different, and the film thickness of the dielectric layer 38 disposed immediately below the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 c and 33 d at the uppermost layer can be made different.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 21( a)-21(b) and FIGS. 22( a)-22(b), the semiconductor substrate 31, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d and the supporting body 36 are thermally oxidized until the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b in the thick film semiconductor region R1 disappear, thereby forming dielectric layers 38 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d in the thin film semiconductor region R2. It is noted here that, by completely thermally oxidizing the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b in the thick film semiconductor region R1, the film thickness of the dielectric layer 38 below the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 can be increased. For example, by setting the film thickness of each of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b to be at 45 nm, and by conducting an oxidation process such that the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b become to be 50 nm on one side, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b can be completely thermally oxidized, and an oxide film of 100 nm thick can be formed with the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b on both sides. For this reason, deterioration of the crystallinity and purity of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c can be suppressed, the breakdown strength and back-channel threshold breakdown strength of the dielectric layer 38 in the thick film semiconductor region R1 can be secured, and higher breakdown voltages of field effect transistors to be formed in the thick film semiconductor region R1 can be achieved.

Further, the film thickness and the number of layers of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b can be set such that increases in the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b are absorbed by the void sections 37, when the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b are completely thermally oxidized. By this, deterioration of the crystallinity of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c on the dielectric layer 38 can be suppressed, and the heights of the surfaces of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d in the thin film semiconductor region R2 can be matched with each other, and the flatness in the surface between the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d in the thin film semiconductor region R2 can be improved.

For example, let us assume that film thicknesses T_(A1)-T_(A4) of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d are set to the same value of 55 nm, film thicknesses T_(B1) and T_(B2) of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b are set to the same value of 45 nm, and an oxidation processing is conducted such that the film thickness of an oxide film on one side of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a and 33 b becomes to be 50 nm. In this case, in the thick film semiconductor region R1, the film thickness of the dielectric layer 38 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c in the thick film semiconductor region R1 can be made to 300 nm, and the film thickness of the dielectric layer 38 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d in the thin film semiconductor region R2 can be made to 100 nm.

Also, by setting the film thickness T_(B3) of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c at 345 nm, and the film thickness T_(B4) of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d at 75 nm, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c on the dielectric layer 38 can be set to 300 nm in the thick film semiconductor region R1, and the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d on the dielectric layer 38 can be set to 30 nm in the thin film semiconductor region R2.

In this manner, by appropriately adjusting the film thickness and the number of layers of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 32 a-32 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 33 a-33 d, the flatness of their surface can be secured, and various combinations of semiconductor layers and BOX layers in various film thicknesses can be realized.

It is noted here that, in the thin film semiconductor region R2, by disposing the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d on the dielectric layer 38, when the effective channel length of a high-speed/lower power semiconductor element is 0.1 μm or less, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 d can be made to 50 nm or less, whereby a completely depleted type SOI transistor in which the short-channel effect is suppressed can be formed.

Also, in the thick film semiconductor region R1, by disposing the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c on the dielectric layer 38, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 33 c on the dielectric layer 38 can be increased. For this reason, a partially depleted type SOI transistor can be formed, while a high junction breakdown strength and a large current capacity can be secured.

FIGS. 23-FIG. 37 are plan views and cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 23( a)-23(b) and FIGS. 24( a)-24(b), first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c and second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 c are alternately laminated on a semiconductor substrate 51. It is noted here that the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c can use materials having a selection ratio at etching greater than that of the semiconductor substrate 51 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 c. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 51 consists of Si, SiGe may preferably be used as the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c, and Si for the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 c.

It is noted that a thick film semiconductor region R11 and a thin film semiconductor region R12 can be provided in the semiconductor substrate 51. Then, a partially depleted type field effect transistor may be formed in the thick film semiconductor region R11, and a completely depleted type field effect transistor can be formed in the thin film semiconductor region R12.

Then, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c is thermally oxidized to thereby form a sacrificial oxide film 54 on a surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c. Then, an oxidation prevention film 55 is formed on the entire surface of the sacrificial oxide film 54 by a CVD method of the like. Then, by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the sacrificial oxide film 54 and the oxidation prevention film 55 are patterned, to thereby remove the sacrificial oxide film 54 and the oxidation prevention film 55 in the thin film semiconductor region R12, and expose the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thin film semiconductor region R12.

Then, by using the sacrificial oxide film 54 and the oxidation prevention film 55 as a mask, epitaxial growth is conducted, whereby a first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d and a second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d are selectively formed on the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thin film semiconductor region R12. It is noted here that the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d can use a material having a selection ratio at etching greater than that of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 51 consists of Si, SiGe may preferably be used as the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d, and Si for the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 25( a)-25(b) and FIGS. 26( a)-26(b), the sacrificial oxide film 54 and the oxidation prevention film 55 in the thick film semiconductor region R11 are removed. Then by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d are patterned, thereby forming grooves M21 that expose the semiconductor substrate 51 along a predetermined direction.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 27( a)-27(b) and FIGS. 28( a)-28(b), a supporting body 56, that is formed in a film on side walls of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d, and supports the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d on the semiconductor substrate 51, is formed in the grooves M21. It is noted that, for example, Si, Ge, SiGe, SiC, SiSn, PbS, GaAs, InP, GaP, GaN, ZnSe or the like can be used as a material for the supporting body 56. In particular, when the semiconductor substrate 51 and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d consist of Si, and the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 d consist of SiGe, Si may preferably be used as a material of the supporting body 56.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 29( a)-29(b) and FIGS. 30( a)-30(b), by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 c and the supporting body 56 are patterned, thereby forming grooves M22 that expose the semiconductor substrate 51 along a direction orthogonal to the grooves M21 in the thick film semiconductor region R11.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 31( a)-31(b) and FIGS. 32( a)-32(b), by using a photolithography technique and an etching technique, the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 d, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d and the supporting body 56 are patterned, thereby forming grooves M23 that expose the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c along a direction orthogonal to the grooves M21 in the thin film semiconductor region R12.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 33( a)-33(b) and FIGS. 34( a)-34(b), etching gas or etching liquid is brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c through the grooves M22, and etching gas or etching liquid is brought in contact with the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d through the grooves M23, whereby the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 are removed by etching, and the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d in the thin film semiconductor region R12 is removed by etching. Further, in the thick film semiconductor region R11, void sections 57 are formed between the semiconductor substrate 51 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 a, and between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b, and 53 b and 53 c; and in the thin film semiconductor region R12, void sections 57 are formed between the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 c and 53 d.

It is noted here that, in the thin film semiconductor region R12, the depth of the grooves M23 may be set such that the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c remains on the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 c, whereby the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 can be removed, while leaving the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c remained in the thin film semiconductor region R12. For this reason, in the thick film semiconductor region R11, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a through 52 c can be thermally oxidized; and in the thin film semiconductor region R12, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b among the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a through 52 c can be prevented from being oxidized, and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d disposed in a layer above the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 b can be thermally oxidized. As a result, the height of a dielectric layer 58 that is formed by thermal oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d can be made different in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and the thin film semiconductor region R12, and the number of layers of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d that are thermally oxidized can be made different in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and the thin film semiconductor region R12. Accordingly, in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and the thin film semiconductor region R12, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 c and 53 d at the uppermost layer can be made different, and the film thickness of the dielectric layer 58 disposed immediately below the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 c and 53 d at the uppermost layer can be made different.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 35( a)-35(b) and FIGS. 36( a)-36(b), the semiconductor substrate 51, the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d and the supporting body 56 are thermally oxidized until the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b in the thick film semiconductor region R11 disappear, thereby forming dielectric layers 58 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d in the thin film semiconductor region R12. It is noted here that, by completely thermally oxidizing the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b in the thick film semiconductor region R11, the film thickness of the dielectric layer 58 below the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 can be increased. For this reason, deterioration of the crystallinity and purity of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c can be suppressed, the breakdown strength and back-channel threshold breakdown strength of the dielectric layer 58 in the thick film semiconductor region R11 can be secured, and higher breakdown voltages of field effect transistors to be formed in the thick film semiconductor region R11 can be achieved.

Also, the film thickness and the number of layers of the first single crystal -semiconductor layers 52 a-52 c and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b can be set such that increases in the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b become greater than the void sections 57, when the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a and 53 b are completely thermally oxidized. By this, by forming the dielectric layer 58 below the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c, the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 can be lifted up. For this reason, the heights of the surfaces of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d in the thin film semiconductor region R12 can be matched with each other, and the flatness in the surface between the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c in the thick film semiconductor region R11 and the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d in the thin film semiconductor region R12 can be improved.

For example, by setting the film thickness T_(A4) of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 d to 55 nm, and the film thickness T_(B4) of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d to 75 nm, the film thickness of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d on the dielectric layer 58 can be set to 30 nm, and the film thickness of the dielectric layer 58 under the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d can be set to 100 nm, as shown in FIG. 37( a), in the thin film semiconductor region R12. It is noted here that the height of the surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 d can be made higher than the surface of the semiconductor substrate 51 before thermal oxidation by (T_(A1)+T_(B1)+T_(A2)+T_(B2)+T_(A3)+T_(B3)+85 nm).

On the other hand, in the thick film semiconductor region R11, an increase in the film thickness by thermal oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 c equals to, as shown in FIG. 37( b), the sum of an amount of an increase (55 nm) in the film thickness between an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate 51 and a lower surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 a minus the film thickness of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 a (55 nm−T_(A1)), an amount of an increase (55 nm) in the film thickness between an upper surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 a and a lower surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 b minus the film thickness of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 b (55 nm−T_(A2)), an amount of an increase (55 nm) in the film thickness between an upper surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 b and a lower surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c minus the film thickness of the first single crystal semiconductor layer 52 c (55 nm−T_(A3)), and an amount of a decrease (−22.5 nm) in the film thickness of the semiconductor layer by surface oxidation of the second single crystal semiconductor layer 53 c.

In this manner, by appropriately adjusting the film thickness and the number of layers of the first single crystal semiconductor layers 52 a-52 d and the second single crystal semiconductor layers 53 a-53 d, the flatness of their surface can be secured, and various combinations of semiconductor layers and BOX layers in various film thicknesses can be realized. 

1. A semiconductor substrate characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; and semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers.
 2. A semiconductor substrate characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers; and semiconductor elements for mutually different usages formed on the semiconductor layers.
 3. A semiconductor device characterized in comprising: a semiconductor base; dielectric layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the semiconductor base; semiconductor layers of mutually different film thicknesses formed on the dielectric layers; and semiconductor elements for mutually different usages formed on the semiconductor base and the semiconductor layers.
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